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Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Reader Question: Where To Begin

Hello my name is J and I was wondering if you would help me? I have been interested in Wicca for years and I would like to begin practicing but I don't know where to begin.

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J,

I'd like to first congratulate you in beginning your journey. Regardless of the path you choose, beginning a religious journey is a great accomplishment.

For beginners, I highly suggest books over websites. Gerald Gardner, Raymond Buckland, Scott Cunningham, Janet and Stewart Farrar, and Doreen Valiente comprise some of the most credible authors for beginner Wicca and Witchcraft books. Some of their books could easily last you years without having to invest in another. Look at your local library, bookstore or even online at Amazon.com.

I would suggest becoming familiar with Wicca's history and practices before delving into the magick side of the religion. Spend a year studying. Celebrate the sabbats and the esbats. Develop your belief system. There are many flavors of Wicca, ranging from the standard Gardnerian duality of the god and the goddess, to atheism, to monotheism and everything in between. There are also many that believe you cannot be a true Wiccan unless you are initiated into a BTW (British Traditional Wicca) coven. What you believe, in the end, is up to you and will only come to you with strong research.

Get connected. Places like WiccanSpace, WiccanTogether, and Meetup.org are great for connecting with other like-minded individuals. Even if you remain a solitary, I highly suggest attending a public ritual put on by a local group every once in a while. Having a religious connection to someone else can help a great deal as you walk your path.

1 comment:

Good Day,Im having trouble with grounding...I seem to be all over the place with my feelings...I know most are not coming from me but I cant filter out nor can I keep on track when out around many people. Each day gets harder and harder....Any help would be a blessing....p.s. Not a nut case needing meds...Many Thanks, T

I'm Marietta, a nontheistic witch mixing modernity with traditional practices. My blog focuses on my journey with my familiars and connected spirits, diving deeper into my work with the Man in Black and my psychopomp guide D. Here, I present my rituals, altars and spells as needed while exploring witchcraft theory and history.